Page 50 of Forever Home

“Zero Bond,” he replies, making my eyes go wide. I hadn’t been there since I was with Caitlin, and though I still had a membership, I didn’t see the point in going anymore. The only reason I’d got a membership to the member’s only hot spot was because it was known to cater to the very elite, and she, of course, wanted to climb the social ladder.

“I don’t know, man…” I mutter, unsure of the choice. “Why that place?”

“Because we both have memberships there that we don’t use, and if I’m being honest… I’d rather not deal with the crazies tonight.”

Laughter escapes me as I think back to the last time we went out. How Jessie and Travis were being followed around by a few girls that acted like they’d never seen someone from high society before. Their eyes like money signs as they pretend to be the diamonds of the night having the attention of a few wealthy men.

Fucking gold diggers.

“Alright, give me thirty and I’ll meet you there.”

Thirty minutes later, my car arrives at Zero Bond. Pulling up outside the main entrance, the red-velvet ropes of the building give luxurious vibes while the dark tinted windows prevent people from prying inside. The entire club spans over two stories and twenty-thousand square feet. Designed for those with a more sophisticated background, who have proven themselves worthy of being there.

As soon as I step out, the line of people to the left of the building drags my attention. Regardless of if we’re not letting anyone in, it doesn’t stop the people from gathering in hopes to see someone famous or if possible—to find someone who will let them in.

“Oh my God! It’s Jaxson Rivers!” A high-pitched squeal echos. My heart drops as my stomach twists at the desperation in these women’s faces. It isn’t just me they do this with though, it’s anyone who enters. I can’t recall how many times I’ve seen it in the past.

“Mr. Rivers,” the security guard says with a nod of his head as he opens the main door allowing me entrance. Jessie had already texted me ten minutes ago to let me know he was here, and from the way his text read, he isn’t alone.

Zero Bond isn’t like other bars or clubs in New York. Its prestigious design not only caters to the members but also the artistic sophistication of its owner. Everything is modern with a slight elegant touch to it. Dark painted walls, minimalistic decor, velvet chairs with dark wood legs, sleek black leather booths with low lighting. And a massive horse-shoe shaped bar that expands out into the center of the main floor.

It takes me two seconds to spot Jessie, his dark shaggy black hair pulled back into a bun on the top of his head as his laughter echoes around the room. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter where this man goes, he attracts attention. Around him are the various faces of his usual crowd and more women than I care to deal with.

When his dark green eyes meet mine, his smile widens as he gestures for me to come over. His hand shoos away the majority of people that lingered at his table, apart from a few. As my feet carry me towards the large half-circular booth that he’s sitting in, the two girls and another guy I’ve never seen, quickly get up and leave the table.

“Jaxson! My man… you made it.”

He reaches out grabbing my hand as we shake. My body slides into the booth across from him as he gestures for a waitress to bring over drinks. He knows what I like, so I don’t even have to say a thing.

“Whiskey neat?” the waitress says, placing a crystal glass down in front of me and one in front of Jessie before walking away.

“You’ve already got a crowd,” I comment, watching Jessie laugh with a nod.

“What can I say… the ladies love me.”

Confident and cocky as always. “You can keep them.”

His brows raise slightly as he gives me a pointed look, taking a sip of his drink. “Are you trying to say that you haven’t been indulging in the beautiful women of New York since we last saw each other?”

“No,” I laugh my eyes going wide for a moment. “The last thing I need is to be entertained by any of the women in New York.”

Just as the words escape my lips, a curvy brunette in a tight blue sparkling dress and heels comes strutting over to the table with her blonde friend wearing lipstick so red, she easily stands out in a crowd. “Hey, guys… mind if we join you?”

Her flirtatious question may entice Jessie as she slides her hand over his shoulder trying to slip into his lap, but she doesn’t fool me. Her friend is trying desperately to grasp my attention as she tries to mimic what the brunette is doing. “Care to buy a girl a drink?”

“I’m good,” I reply flatly, moving my shoulder from her grip. “I’m sure there is some other guy in this place that will though.”

“Oh, don’t be like that,” she laughs, glancing towards her friend who gives her a look as if persuading her to go on. “I promise I’m a lot of fun… especially in the bedroom.”

Now she really has fucked up. Perhaps the old me, college day me, would have accepted the invitation. But I’m not the same person I was back then. The desperation in this woman’s voice causes me to internally cringe as I curl my lip back, lifting the glass to my lips for another sip.

“I said, no.”

After a moment, she seems to get the hint. Her feet move her towards her friend as I watch her whisper something into the girl’s ear before the two of them leave. It’s clear that Jessie was hoping to get laid by one or both of them by the way his eyes trail after them as they move towards the bar. But, I’m not.

“Now, why did you go and do that?” he asks, his eyes meeting mine once more but with a little more shock in them than I expect to see.

“What do you mean?”

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